Description
Creamy lemon caper sauce brings Mediterranean zest to simple proteins, elevating ordinary dishes with tangy sophistication. Delicate capers and bright citrus notes dance together, creating a perfect balance of richness and acidity you’ll crave on seafood, chicken, or pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein/Liquid Ingredients:
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
Fats and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm a small saucepan over medium heat, gently melting butter and olive oil together to create a smooth cooking base.
- Introduce finely minced garlic to the pan, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent browning.
- Carefully pour chicken broth into the pan, creating a flavorful liquid foundation for the sauce.
- Incorporate freshly squeezed lemon juice, adding a bright, tangy dimension to the developing sauce.
- Sprinkle capers into the simmering mixture, bringing a briny, piquant character to the preparation.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, balancing the flavors with subtle depth.
- Optional: Enhance the sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat and complex undertone.
- Allow the mixture to gently simmer, stirring periodically, for roughly 23 minutes until the liquid reduces and concentrates the flavors.
- Remove the pan from heat and fold in freshly chopped parsley, introducing a vibrant green color and herbaceous freshness.
- Present the versatile sauce immediately, drizzling it gracefully over grilled chicken, salmon, succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, or steamed seasonal vegetables.
Notes
- Boost flavor by using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more intense, vibrant taste.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, perfect for those who prefer mild or bold heat.
- Choose high-quality capers for a more authentic, briny punch that elevates the entire sauce.
- Swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free and suitable for plant-based diets.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg